How much does A/C impact mpg on our GLs?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 331
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2011 GL350 Bluetec, Irridium over Black Leather
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 331
Likes: 3
2011 GL350 Bluetec, Irridium over Black Leather
I'd say no meaningful difference with modern A/C systems.
- Mark
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I can also tell most of the time when the ac compressor engages and disengages as the power goes down noticeably.
Last edited by alx; Jul 3, 2011 at 08:28 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 331
Likes: 3
2011 GL350 Bluetec, Irridium over Black Leather
I'd say yours is wishful thinking. But dont take my word for it. On a long trip on a flat section of the road set cruise to say 70, reset mpg and drive for a few miles. Then switch ac to the other state, reset mpg and drive. On my truck the difference is 28mpg vs 24mpg with the windows up. This is a repeatable result.
In reality, I agree with you. Running the compressor ain't free.
- Mark
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Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: Chicago
2007 GL450 2005 C55 2002 C32 sold 2001 ML320 sold
In my experience over the years with different cars, it makes no difference in the GL450 and my C55 AMG the way my wife or i drive, while when i used to drive smaller displacement 4 and 6 bangers it did make more of a difference.
The weather conditions (wind), driving style and fuel grades used make a much bigger difference in this size vehicle as does the amount (weight) of crap the kids leave permanently in the "trunk".
Just my opinion and experience.
P.S. I also saw the mythbusters that showed that the air resistance of driving on a freeway with the windows down was less fuel efficient than having the windows up and aircon on :-)
The weather conditions (wind), driving style and fuel grades used make a much bigger difference in this size vehicle as does the amount (weight) of crap the kids leave permanently in the "trunk".
Just my opinion and experience.
P.S. I also saw the mythbusters that showed that the air resistance of driving on a freeway with the windows down was less fuel efficient than having the windows up and aircon on :-)
